I would like to create a few Proof of Concept iPhone applications to present to my employer in order to convince them that iPhone development is important for us. However, my employer does not want to invest in the $99+ Apple Developer program in order to create a PoC. This also means that my employer will not invest in a Mac computer for developing our apps until after we provide a decent PoC (we currently only run PC's).
I've got an iPhone Edge (original iphone) that I can jailbreak and side-load my apps onto. I just need the tools to create, test, and deploy the apps.
Can anyone point me in the direction of some free or open-source software that will allow me to create these PoC apps?
I would like to create a few Proof of Concept iPhone applications to present to my employer in order to convince them that iPhone development is important for us. However, my employer does not want to invest in the $99+ Apple Developer program in order to create a PoC. This also means that my employer will not invest in a Mac computer for developing our apps until after we provide a decent PoC (we currently only run PC's).
I've got an iPhone Edge (original iphone) that I can jailbreak and side-load my apps onto. I just need the tools to create, test, and deploy the apps.
Can anyone point me in the direction of some free or open-source software that will allow me to create these PoC apps?
So it sounds like I'm going to need to invest in a Mac. I've found some old G4's on Craiglist between $100-200. Not a bad investment as an individual. I'm debating on putting out the cash.
I've already downloaded XCODE. It's in dmg format, which is supported by Ubuntu, but I highly doubt that the program will install natively on Linux. I don't have a license for any version of Mac OS.
Seems like an old Mac is the lowest cost entry point into iPhone development. If I can at least get a PoC together, then my employer will invest in a decent Mac. But at least I'll have something to **ck around with at home... I suppose.
I am also considering a start with Android development since I can simply use a plug-in to Eclipse to get started on that. My buddy has an HTC Hero that I can use to side-load and test my apps there too.
Maybe XCODE will eventually come to PC, but I doubt it. Keeping it Mac-only forces customers to purchase business-level Mac computers. It's a smart way to go full-circle with getting you products sold, but it also creates barriers for indie developers and employers, like mine, who want PoC before they invest.
So it sounds like I'm going to need to invest in a Mac. I've found some old G4's on Craiglist between $100-200. Not a bad investment as an individual. I'm debating on putting out the cash.
I've already downloaded XCODE. It's in dmg format, which is supported by Ubuntu, but I highly doubt that the program will install natively on Linux. I don't have a license for any version of Mac OS.
Seems like an old Mac is the lowest cost entry point into iPhone development. If I can at least get a PoC together, then my employer will invest in a decent Mac. But at least I'll have something to **ck around with at home... I suppose.
I am also considering a start with Android development since I can simply use a plug-in to Eclipse to get started on that. My buddy has an HTC Hero that I can use to side-load and test my apps there too.
Maybe XCODE will eventually come to PC, but I doubt it. Keeping it Mac-only forces customers to purchase business-level Mac computers. It's a smart way to go full-circle with getting you products sold, but it also creates barriers for indie developers and employers, like mine, who want PoC before they invest.
Thanks for the info!
For the SDK to run right, make sure you buy an Intel based Mac...I am not sure, but I suspect the old G4's are not Intel based.
And you're going to need Snow Leopard anyway for the latest SDK versions.
Avoid the compatibility headaches before you dive in.
Before you run out and spend your money, make sure you look into the system requirements for running the iOS SDK. You need an Intel Mac capable of running OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) in order to install the up-to-date versions of the SDK.
How functional does your proof of concept need to be? If you're just looking for an interactive mockup at this stage, you might be able to get by with one of the existing iPhone apps for creating mockups directly on the device.
Okay, so it looks like I'm going to do my PoC with Android. I'm not going to invest that much for this. I know someone with an Android developer account, so I can use that account if I can't side-load the app without one. Eclipse and the Android plugin are free.
If my PoC is accepted, then I can likely convince my employer to pay for the equipment needed for iPhone development.
Okay, so it looks like I'm going to do my PoC with Android. I'm not going to invest that much for this. I know someone with an Android developer account, so I can use that account if I can't side-load the app without one. Eclipse and the Android plugin are free.
If my PoC is accepted, then I can likely convince my employer to pay for the equipment needed for iPhone development.
Thanks again
you should be able to find a core duo mac mini for around 300-400 on ebay / craigslist. That is all you would need.
You dont need the developers license to create a PoC since you can just use the simulator.
The cheapest option you have is the Mac Mini. However, I wouldn't sell yourself short—get the latest hardware (it will be cheaper on eBay), so that you won't be frustrated by a slow system. Then, sign up for a free account and download Xcode. You can test your apps in the Simulator that is included with Xcode.
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I would like to create a few Proof of Concept iPhone applications to present to my employer in order to convince them that iPhone development is important for us. However, my employer does not want to invest in the $99+ Apple Developer program in order to create a PoC. This also means that my employer will not invest in a Mac computer for developing our apps until after we provide a decent PoC (we currently only run PC's).
I've got an iPhone Edge (original iphone) that I can jailbreak and side-load my apps onto. I just need the tools to create, test, and deploy the apps.
Can anyone point me in the direction of some free or open-source software that will allow me to create these PoC apps?
Any other recommendations?
Any compamies that use garbage pc/windows is not a company worth working for!!!!
So it sounds like I'm going to need to invest in a Mac. I've found some old G4's on Craiglist between $100-200. Not a bad investment as an individual. I'm debating on putting out the cash.
I've already downloaded XCODE. It's in dmg format, which is supported by Ubuntu, but I highly doubt that the program will install natively on Linux. I don't have a license for any version of Mac OS.
Seems like an old Mac is the lowest cost entry point into iPhone development. If I can at least get a PoC together, then my employer will invest in a decent Mac. But at least I'll have something to **ck around with at home... I suppose.
I am also considering a start with Android development since I can simply use a plug-in to Eclipse to get started on that. My buddy has an HTC Hero that I can use to side-load and test my apps there too.
Maybe XCODE will eventually come to PC, but I doubt it. Keeping it Mac-only forces customers to purchase business-level Mac computers. It's a smart way to go full-circle with getting you products sold, but it also creates barriers for indie developers and employers, like mine, who want PoC before they invest.
Thanks for the info!
you can't develop iphone apps on G4 mini, (iphone SDK does not run on G4 processor) if you are on a budget, go for an intel mini. The latest mini are quite nice, I use one to upload my prototype app to my iPHone for testing.
Last edited by dickthedev; 10-22-2010 at 09:34 PM.
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